PLUMED CHIC

Check out this gorgeous chick perfectly plumed for summer socials.  I found this on Lavendar and Faye, Cypress, California purveyors of some of the most innovative haute couture out there. Once you trip on over to their site you'll find feathers aren't their only specialty.  Tell me, just where would you wear this little number?

Boring Sidney never fails to amp my fashion curiosity for all that's innovative in head chic.  This headpiece as Belle says,  'Is wearable art for your head, this exceedingly unusual, dare I say odd, headpiece is made of an 8" woven ball of grapevines, that has been painted black. It is mounted onto a small round wool base with elastic to hold it on, and in the center is a battery operated candle that glows and flickers.'
Belle is a Seattle based milliner with a background designing costume (Can't you tell?).  I think she's a real fashion pioneer and have been keeping up with new additions to her store regularly since 2008 when I first laid eyes on her magic.  Keep a look out for new goodies on her site listed above.  

TRUMPING ASCOT

The Beckmans and their edgy chic

 Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne

It was like Ascot Gavotte in color as guests poured into Westminster Abbey this morning for the long awaited wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Oh La La! factor really kicked once the crowd swelled; Cecil Beaton's over the top sets and costumes for My Fair Lady come to mind yet this is all real.  When have we seen such a parade of head sculpture all in one place?  Phillip Treacy was the star hatter with others like Jane Taylor and Noel Stewart wowing us, every creation a 180 turn from the next. I have to admit, when it comes to hats the British have to be the most inventive. Do you perchance get the idea some of these dresses and coat ensembles were designed around the head wear? The UK has a rich history of costume and keeping aspects of it traditional. Their hats have evolved to the art form we saw today and I think they will continue to reinvent new trends.

 Miriam Gonzalez Durantez looking every inch as chic as an Irving Penn photo

 Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.  Stunning

 Who are these gorgeous guests?  The Earl of Spencer's daughters and cousins to Prince William . . .

The duke of York's daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. 

Zara Phillips

 HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla)

 Always chic and my fav fashion royal, Michael of Kent

Monacco's Prince Albert and his fiance Charlene Wittstock

THE ART OF THE RUFFLE

 

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Because there are so many different kinds, a whole book could be written in praise of them. As you've probably figured out from the above photo, ruffles can be worn head to toe on bodice, even covering sleeve, skirt or train. And don't forget those accessories. I've seen shoes, purses, gloves, hats and veils layered in ruffles. Below are just a few treatments, mostly skirts, celebrating the ruffle.

 Elisabeth B

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BLACK SWAN

Those who strutted the red carpet at this year's opening of the San Francisco Ballet sported more than the usual flurry of feathers and plumes.  Were these women going haute couture perchance influenced by the magnificent thriller, Black Swan?   No one knows for sure but the trend is definitely on. If you're as intrigued as I am with ballet's influence on fashion, look for elements of dance style hitting the runways in up and coming seasons.  Designers are bringing out more feathered hats, head pieces and even jewelry evoking ballet characters.  Though tulle skirts are already trendy for bridal and evening, new versions will be paired up with bomber jackets and t-shirts as this ethereal fabric makes it's way into street chic.   As long as we're on the subject of ballet, I hope the practice and rehearsal wear dancers bend and stretch in make some appearance on the runway again.  With a string of popular ballet movies back in the 1970s like The Turning Point and Dancers in the 80s, there was a rush for surplice jersey tops, leg warmers and leggings (still with us).  What women have found is dancers look chic even working their butts off; but they're also going to be comfortable

Top Left: Black Evening Gown by Monique Luhllier

Top Right: Ostrich plume purse by Cady Briar

Middle Bolero by Herbld

Bottom Left: Ballerina Doll Pump by D&G

Bottom Right: My LaValiere Noire black jewel headband victorian silver finish

Special thanks to M Frezza over at SMP Style Circle for putting together this medley of designer chic . . . 

RARE FINDS

 These enchanting shoes are the work of UK artist Jennifer Collier. Creating innovative pieces, she uses found materials.  Through weaving, stitching, waxing, she creates rare and one-of-a-kind pieces made into garments and accessories.  Says Collier,  The works have the power to communicate ideas about recycling, as well as themes exploring the body. My work is often inspired by literature.The work is non-functional and aims to encourage people to speculate on the nature of value. I enjoy the idea of working with disposable organic materials that are transient in nature, imbuing them with worth and creating something intriguing and of great beauty." 

                                                  

Top image: Wall Paper Stilettos

Book Shoes made out of vintage book pages.

 You'll never get lost in these . . .The Map Shoes can be made in the map of your choice

 The Music Shoes.  What better way to commission your favorite work . . .?

 The Letter Shoes.  Imagine old love letters and stamps crafted into these . . .

The best is last!  My favs are The Pattern Corsage Stilettos made out of old dressmaking patterns (of which I collect)

SPARKLE AND PEARL

While there's still some winter left, check out these incredible finds from SMP Style Circle.  Not everything lame or metallic went out with Liberace!  Okay, the jacket may be a few seasons gone and at first glance remind you of a disco ball but heck, don'tcha just love it?  And take a look at the shoes.  Valentino is proof positive when the right designer gets hold of sequins there's some real magic going on . . . .